Summary
Shek marvels at the new world as he and his brother, Little Wong, arrive in California. Along with hundreds of other workers, the brothers are going to build a great railroad across the West. They plan to save enough money so that their mother and little brothers can join them in America. But as days grow into months, they endure many hardships-exhausting work, discrimination, and treacherous avalanches. Inspired by actual events, this story reveals the harsh truth about life for the Chinese railroad workers in 1865, while celebrating their perseverance and bravery.
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780142500552 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 0142500550 |
| Author: | Yin, Chris Soentpiet |
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House Australia |
| Imprint: | Puffin |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 40 |
| Release Date: | 26 May 2003 |
| Weight: | 221g |
| Dimensions: | 4mm x 306mm x 248mm |
| Audience Age: | 7-10 |
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Critics Review
“This is an important story, full of drama and emotion and it is here given its proper recognition and tribute in both words and glorious art.” - Kirkus Reviews
“What a beautiful book…revealing the important place of the Chinese in our country’s history.” —Jean Fritz, Newberry Honor Winner
“This is an important story, full of drama and emotion and it is here given its proper recognition and tribute in both words and glorious art. Masterful.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Coolies is illustrated with authenticity and drama, and gives the Chinese people who participated in the building of the transcontinental railroad dignity and respect.” —Ed Young, Caledcott Medal Winner
“This grandly-conceived and beautifully-illustrated oversize picture book merits praise and the widest possible readership. It is a gripping story…a book not to be missed.” —Selma G. Lanes on Coolies, Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner
Yin
Yin lives in Queens, New York. At the age of eight, Yin was adopted with their older sister from Korea to live with an American family in Hawaii. When Yin was 22 years old, they had the opportunity to visit their Korean brother and sisters for the first time since adoption. It was a happy reunion. (A book about Yin’s adoption will be released in due course.)
Yin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where they studied Advertising, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Art Education. Painting has always been Yin’s passion. With encouragement and guidance from author and illustrator Ted Lewin, Yin took their portfolio and original paintings around New York City. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books (acquired by Harper-Collins Publishers) gave Yin their first opportunity to illustrate and author their first children’s picture book, Around Town.
Yin’s books reflect their interest in people, history, and culture. Research plays an important role in illustrating the accuracy of details in their historical books. After research is complete, Yin hires models to play the parts of the main characters, using photographs as a tool during the painting process. This order resembles that of Yin’s idol, Norman Rockwell.
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